In mild cases of bumblefoot, the infection has not progressed enough to create a hard kernel, or abscess, in the foot pad. Mild cases of bumblefoot are characterized by either a shiny, reddened spot on the foot pad or a very small black dot on the foot pad.
Normally, these injuries can heal with little to no intervention on the chicken keeper's part. But occasionally, bacteria can contaminate the wound, and a more severe infection sets in. Bumblefoot can be caused by a number of bacteria that are found in a chicken's environment.
Bumblefoot is usually recognised by a black or brown scab, swelling and/or pus-filled abscesses. It is most often on the foot pad but can occur on the toes or on top of the foot. If you have a chicken displaying the symptoms of a foot injury, you will need to examine the foot for signs of bumblefoot.
Very mild cases of bumblefoot may then be treated by excising the scab with a scalpel, applying chlorhexadine or Vetericyn to the abscess, covering with non-stick gauze and wrapping the foot with Vetrap. Vetericyn is re-applied two to three times a day and covered until healed.
Here are a few of the initial symptoms that point to bumblefoot being the source of foot pain for your chicken: A wound or abrasion on the bottom of the chickens foot. Something caught underneath a claw/toenail. Rough, red skin in between the toes.
SYMPTOMS OF BUMBLEFOOT
The most tell-tale sign would be a black scab where the infection is. I have had cases where there was no black scab but a definitive bump with a discolored area in the middle.
Bumble- foot is a chronic disease that if left untreated can result in a 50 percent mortality rate.
You are wrapping in a figure-8 pattern between the toes and above the back toe. Press the end of the Vet Wrap to seal it to the rest of the bandage. After applying the wrap, monitor the bird carefully for the next few hours for any signs of distress, swelling of the toes, or increased lameness.
Bacteria, including staphylococcus spp. have been identified in some rare cases of bumblefoot, if the wound has not been noticed and treated before it becomes acute. Typically antibiotics, such as erythromycin or penicillin, are prescribed by the vet, if the infection is serious enough.
Bumblefoot exists on a scale of 1-5 with stage 1 being mild and barely undetectable where stage 5 is severe and grossly affects the chicken's wellbeing.
Diagnosis of Bumblefoot in Birds
The primary diagnostic tool is an examination of both feet. Bumblefoot may present with redness, swelling, small red sores, or dark colored scabs on the pads of the foot/feet. Depending upon severity and length of time with the condition, there may be lesions, cracks, or discoloration.
The severity of Bumblefoot is graded using a 5-point scale, with grade 1 being mild and grade 5 being severe. Bumblefoot results when the skin of the chicken's foot is injured or compromised in some way, allowing bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas or Escherichia coli to enter the foot.
While bumblefoot begins on the surface, it can quickly spread to muscle and bone tissue, and if left untreated, the infection can lead to death. Most commonly, bumblefoot on chickens is caused by a staph infection.
Bumblefoot is an infection of a guinea pig's footpad and is often a result of inappropriate habitat conditions. Even mild cases of bumblefoot can be excruciatingly painful for pets—if you suspect your guinea pig is suffering from bumblefoot, seek the guidance of an exotics veterinarian right away.
“Rinse out the resulting hole with saline wound wash. Then, pack it with an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin,” she explains. “To keep the foot clean while it heals, fill in the hole with gauze packing, then wrap the foot in a gauze pad secured with first-aid tape or vet wrap.
Staph bacteria thrive in the low-oxygen environment of a wound. This allows the infection to grow and spread quickly, becoming quite serious if it is not treated right away. Bumblefoot can be fatal for a chicken if the infection is left long enough.
Can I get bumblefoot? While humans can't get bumblefoot per se, Staphylococcus aureus, which is the most common organism that causes bumblefoot, can infect humans—yet another good reason to handle your birds, sick or not, with care.
Different types of antibiotic have been used to cure the problem: one pill (22.7mg) per day of Baytril, 50-100 mg of clindamycin, doxycycline, lincomycen or doxycycline per day, or 250 mg of amoxicillin per day.
Ulcers form on the soles of the feet with calluses forming around the edges of the lesions. Some pain and mild lameness are present.
Oral antibiotics and antibiotic ointments will control the infection. Bandaging may be recommended in order to reduce the opportunity for pathogens to enter the wounds. In more severe cases, surgery (including debridement of abscesses) will help to save the feet, and life, of the bird.
Just be sure to keep a bowl of fresh water near their heads so they can drink that instead of the salt water (drinking too much epsom salt water can cause diarrhea). 6.
Bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis) is a common bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction that occurs on the feet of birds, rodents, and rabbits.
Treatment protocols:
Veterinary treatment for relatively mild cases showing redness of the skin and minimal swelling is via an antibiotic ointment applied at least twice a day to the affected feet. Oral antibiotics may also be used as a systemic infection control.